“Sometimes we hate her,” Laurel said, then smiled at Parker. “But it’s a hare based on love.”

“But a hare, now, that is a different thing altogether. A hare is not a pet but a person. Hares are clever and brave and loving, and they have fairy blood in them. It’s a grand thing to have a hare for a friend.”

“It was a surprise party, Parker,” America said softly.“Oh,” Parker said, cringing.“You’re throwing me a surprise party?” I asked America.She shrugged. “It was Trav’s idea. It’s at Brazil’s on Sunday. Six o’clock.”

“We hate suffering, but love it’s causes.”

“Then James took Parker’s hands, and without waiting, gave her a long, hot kiss that made her nearly forget there were a hundred people watching. Then he pulled back and smiled that full, wonderful grin, his dark eyes so happy. “Parker,” he said, “always lovely to see you.”

“You have to learn to smile through your pain. Sometimes it’s all we got.”